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Brown, 21, played perhaps as well as could be expected with two shots, including one on a terrific chance in front of the net on his second shift, in 13:33 of ice time that included 2:42 on the power play.

"I don't want to rave much because I know what happens," coach Guy Boucher said. "When you start doing that you get a nice page i the newspaper and the game after that he's awful. I want to keep it at the level that it really is. It's his first game. It's tough for the player. It's emotional. It's nerve-wracking."

Even so, Boucher said, "To see a player come out and play well in his first NHL game is great."

That said, "It's the games after that that come back to normalcy."

Brown will stay on the same line tonight against the Capitals with center Vinny Lecavalier and Ryan Malone.

"We just want him to keep making errors of commission because he's going really hard and not because he's holding back," Boucher said. "I'm sure he'll continue to do god things, but at the same time we're not going to put too much pressure on a kid to become what we would like him to be. It's important we keep things in perspective and let him grow the way he's supposed to grow."

"The speed of the game, obviously, was a little bit faster. You have a little less time to make your decisions," Brown said. "Other than that, I told myself just go out there and play. You're going to make mistakes but make them going hard."

Other stuff from the morning skate: Dwayne Roloson will get the start against Washington. ... Boucher said the plan is to give Sebastien Caron, who made 26 saves in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win over the Jets, one start among the season's final three games on the road. ... Right wing Adam Hall (upper body) skated with a red no-contact jersey. Hall, who is not supposed to play again this season, said he would love to get into at least one more game. "You're a player," he said. "You want to play. Just take it day-by-day and hope for the best." Boucher did not completely rule out Hall playing, but it certainly seems a long shot. "He's a warrior. He's not ready yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if he lied the next two or three days to get his butt in the lineup. That's him and that's how we like them. If he lines and I'm convinced, we'll see then." ... Steven Stamkos, with a league-best 56 goals, apparently has told his teammates not to force plays for him as he tries to reach 60. "I don't want guys passing up opportunities and looking for me and forcing it if it's not there," Stamkos said. But Teddy Purcell, a right wing on Stamkos' line said he already is guilty and it is going to be a constant reminder. "It's awesome," Purcell said, "not only to be on his team and be on his line but to try to help him get there is exciting."